censoriously
In judgmental fashion
Censoriously means in a manner that is harshly critical or fault-finding.
Someone who speaks censoriously delivers judgment with an air of moral superiority: She censoriously remarked on their lifestyle choices.
The word carries connotations of sanctimony—not just criticism, but criticism from someone who believes they hold the higher ground.
Excessively moralizing in tone
- self-righteousSmugly certain of correctness
- sanctimoniousFeigning moral superiority
- holier-than-thouSmugly moralistic toward others
- puritanicalExcessively strict about morals
priggish · smug · pharisaical · pontifical · didactic · sermonizing · moralizing · pietistic
In a harsh manner
- sternlyIn a severe manner
- austerelyWithout embellishment or excess
- grimlyIn a bleak manner
- soberlyIn a serious manner
gravely · harshly · unsmilingly · coldly · icily · forbiddingly · humorlessly · stonily
Seeking out imperfections
- nitpickingExcessive focus on trivialities
- captiousGiven to petty criticism
- carpingTrivial persistent criticism
- cavilingPetty fault-finding
hypercritical · overcritical · reproachful · accusatory · blaming · disparaging · belittling · deprecating
Severe disapproval expressed formally
- reproofExpression of blame
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- scornHostile dismissive feeling
- disdainScornful disregard
contempt · denunciation · disparagement · opprobrium · animadversion · disfavor · displeasure · frown
preachy
Excessively moralizing in tone
- self-righteousSmugly certain of correctness
- sanctimoniousFeigning moral superiority
- holier-than-thouSmugly moralistic toward others
puritanical · priggish · smug · pharisaical · pontifical · didactic · sermonizing · moralizing · pietistic · dogmatic
severely
In a harsh manner
soberly · gravely · harshly · unsmilingly · coldly · icily · forbiddingly · humorlessly · stonily · rigidly
faultfinding
Seeking out imperfections
- nitpickingExcessive focus on trivialities
- captiousGiven to petty criticism
- carpingTrivial persistent criticism
caviling · hypercritical · overcritical · reproachful · accusatory · blaming · disparaging · belittling · deprecating · decrying
condemnation
Severe disapproval expressed formally
disdain · contempt · denunciation · disparagement · opprobrium · animadversion · disfavor · displeasure · frown · glower
censoriouslyapprovingly
With positive regard
appreciatively · complimentarily · admiringly · encouragingly · flatteringly
censoriouslytolerantly
With forbearance shown
permissively · indulgently · leniently · forgivingly · charitably